My local electric utility here in Colorado (unitedpower.com) is proposing to add a "Reserve Capacity Charge" for small, net-metered generation systems like my rooftop solar PV system. They've been doing this since 2009 for larger net-metered generating units (defined as 'over 25kW' of rated capacity); this proposal just extends the tariff to all net-metered accounts, to be phased in over a three-year period. The proposed first-year rate is $1.74 per kW of installed generation capacity, more than twice what the AZ utility plans to charge (see this thread); the utility didn't provide any information about the rates in subsequent years. My monthly utility bill already includes a $13 Facility Charge: according to the 'Understanding My Bill' web page, "This monthly charge covers the operational expenses to provide and maintain the equipment and lines needed for electric service at your location."
By the way, my 4.76 kW (rated) system generated 7032 kWh of energy in 2012, the last full year for which I have data. That's an average of 0.802 kW, or not quite 17% of rated capacity, for which they propose to charge me $8/mo the first year and more after that. At our current per-kWh cost of $0.1091 (flat rate; there are no TOU differences and no tiered rates that I will ever reach), that $8 represents 15% of my average monthly electricity production, and pushes my system payback out by some number of years (I'm too financially challenged to figure it out, and it's probably moot: I'll be long gone; and it's not why I bought the system, anyway).
I have the opportunity to comment at the utility's public Board meeting a week from Friday (Dec 13). I'd like to hear from the brain trust here what arguments I might bring to bear to fight the new charge (or the size of the new charge; or even whether or not I have a leg to stand on). I'm fully aware of my obligation to pay my fair share to support the grid I'm attached to: but what's fair?
By the way, my 4.76 kW (rated) system generated 7032 kWh of energy in 2012, the last full year for which I have data. That's an average of 0.802 kW, or not quite 17% of rated capacity, for which they propose to charge me $8/mo the first year and more after that. At our current per-kWh cost of $0.1091 (flat rate; there are no TOU differences and no tiered rates that I will ever reach), that $8 represents 15% of my average monthly electricity production, and pushes my system payback out by some number of years (I'm too financially challenged to figure it out, and it's probably moot: I'll be long gone; and it's not why I bought the system, anyway).
I have the opportunity to comment at the utility's public Board meeting a week from Friday (Dec 13). I'd like to hear from the brain trust here what arguments I might bring to bear to fight the new charge (or the size of the new charge; or even whether or not I have a leg to stand on). I'm fully aware of my obligation to pay my fair share to support the grid I'm attached to: but what's fair?
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